Adjustable check testing apparatus



March 9, 1937. A. A. KNEE ADJUSTABLE CHECK TESTING APPARATUS Filed July20, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet l Elu/vented' Annerl!) KNEE wry/wg March9,'1937r A. A. KNEE `ADJUSTABLE CHECK TESTING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet`2 E E N K AH. N m R d@ Ibm, www .....mm m QV om s l. :1

March 9, 1937. A. A. KNEE DJUSTABLE CHECK TESTING APPARATUS Filed Jury2o, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 9 AARON A. KNEE' gmc/who@ March 9, 1937. A. A.KNEE ADJUSTABLE CHECK TESTING APARTUS Filed July 20, 1935 G'SheeW-Shaet4 AARD/VA- KNc-s March 9, 1937. A, A, KNEE 2,073,392 L ADJUSTABLE CHECKTESTING APPARATUS Eil'ed July 20 1935 6 SheetsShset 5 AARON A. KNEEMarch 9, 1937. A. A. KNEE ADJUSTABLE CHECK TESTING APPARATUS Filed July20., 1955 AARAON KNEE gmc/nm Patented Mar. .9, 1937 ADJUSTABLE CHECKTESTING APPARATUS Aaron A. Knee, Charlotte, N. C., assignorto tCorporation, Charlotte, N. C., a corporation North Carolina ApplicationJuly 2o, 1535, serial N 15 Claims.

This invention relates to check testing apparatus designed primarily foruse in connection with check controlled apparatus such as vendingmachines, pay stations, and in fact any apparatus in which a check orcoin is inserted for the purchase of goods or service.

It is an object of this invention toprovide a check testing apparatushaving means for testing a check as to the relative differences of itssurface configurations, and also testing it as to its diameter and alsotesting it as to its thickness, together with selectively Settable meansfor rendering the diameter testing means inoperable when an oversizedcheck is inserted so l5 that the oversized check will be received andapproved if its surface configurations and thickness passes therespective tests therefor.

It is another object of this invention to provide in a check testingapparatus a plurality of feelers for testing a check as to its surfaceconiiguration and having a check provided with a number of depressionsin its surface which is not equal to the number of the feelers, togetherwith means controlled by the feelers for disposing of the check after ithas been subjected to a testing operation.

It is another object of this invention to provide in a check testingapparatus means whereby a plurality of checks can be inserted into themachine at a given time and whereby all of the checks except thelowermost one will be prevented from movement While the lowermost checkis allowed to move into the apparatus and be subjected to a testingoperation.

It is a further object-of this invention to provide a check testingapparatus having a plurality of feelers adapted to engage the surface ofan inserted check and to be moved in varying degrees by pressure exertedon the check and having means cooperating with said feelers which willalways engage some of the feelers when a genuine check is subjected tothe test and whereby the check will be accepted and passed into themachine with which the testing apparatus is associated for operation ofthe same.

It is a further object of the invention to provide in combination acheck testing apparatus having a plurality of feelers and also providinga check having a number of depressions therein diiering in number fromthe number of feelers, so that at least one of the ieelers will alwaysengage a depression to cause the apparatus to accept the check asgenuine.

It is a further object of this invention to pro- 55 vide in a checktesting apparatus means for (Cl. 19a-97) testing a checkV g t odiameter, thickness and surface configuration, and also having meansselectively settable, whereby, the check, if oversized, may be acceptedas a genuine'check pro- .vided its thickness and surface conilgurationpasses the respective tests applied thereto.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objectswill appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection Withthe accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is an elevation of the left side of my apparatus mounted in ademonstration stand; V

Figure 2 is a front elevation looking at the right-hand side of Figure1;

Figure 3 ls a right side elevation looking at the right-hand side ofFigure 2;

Figure 4 is a rear elevation looking at the right-hand side of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional plan view taken along the line 5--5 in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a sectional plan view taken along the line vli---B in Figure3;

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 1-1 in Figure3;

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 8 8 in Figure2;

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 9-9 in Figure1;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line Ill-I0 inFigure 3;

Figure 11 is a sectional detail view taken along the line II-II inFigure 8;

Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 8 showing themeans for gauging the thickness of a coin in operation with other partsin a different position;

Figure 13 is a view similar to the central portion of Figure 9 showing acoin in position to be gauged as to thickness aswell as for diameter;

Figure 14 is an isometric view showing the apparatus mounted inafsuitabie casing instead of being mounted in a ,demonstration stand, asshown in Figures 1 to inclusive;

Figure 15 is an elevation of the lower portion of the check testingapparatus showing means for allowing a coin, which is slightly larger indiameter than the genuirie coin but conforming in every other respect toa genuine coin, to be accepted; f

Figure 16 is a sectional elevation taken along the line IG-IE in Figure15;

Figure 17 is a sectional plan view taken along the line Il-l'l in Figure16;

Figure 18 is an elevation of a special slug or coin which is slightlylarger in diameter than a genuine coin and which is adapted to be usedin connection with the structure shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17;

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken along the line I 9-I9 in Figure 18.

Referring more specifically to the drawings the numeral IIJ denotes asuitable base or demonstration stand which has upwardly projectingmembers II and I2, between which, is mounted a framework I3. A suitablebolt I4 is adapted to hold the lower portion of upright members II andI2 in spaced relation to each other and a similar bolt I5 holds theupper portion'of these members in spaced relation, and at the same timethese bolts conne the framework I3 in xed position. Studs I1 and I8 areflxedly secured in the lower portion of framework I3 which projectoutwardly beyond the outer surface thereof and penetrate the uprightmembers II and I2 to secure the framework in a. fixed position. Bolt I9penetrates the upper end of framework I3 and has its ends projectingbeyond the side portions thereof, which ends penetrate the upper end ofupright members II and I2. These studs .I1 and I8 and the bolt I9cooperate with bolts I4 and I5 to secure framework I3 in a fixedposition within the frame I0. The framework I3 has suitable slots 20 and2l cut in the side thereof through which a coin is adapted to pass whenit is inserted into the apparatus.. When the coin is inserted in one ofthese slots, it passes into a chamber 23 which is formed by placing aplate 24 directly in front of the framework I3. Plate 24 has a leafspring 25 projecting from the upper central portion thereof whichprojects downwardly and has its lower end contacting a plate 26. Thisplate 26 is pivoted at its lower'end on studs I1 and I8. It can be seenby referring to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 8, that the leaf spring 25 normallyforces the upper portion of this plate outwardly from member I3 to theposition shown. A suitable set screw 21 with a pointed end is threadablysecured in the central portion of plate 26 and has a wire 28 encirclingthe head thereof which wire projects outwardly .through a hole 29 inplate 26. The purpose of this wire is to hold the screw in whateverposition to which it might be turned.

By referring to Figure 9, it will be seen that the lower end of plate 24has a perforation or notch 34 in the lower end` thereof through whichthe pointed end of set screw 21 projects. When a coin 35 is insertedinto the apparatus through either of the slots 26 or 2I, it falls to theposition shown in Figures 12 and 13, and its downward movement islimited by means of a rod 36, which rod is slidably mounted in frameworkI3. (Fig. 5.)

While the coin 35 is in this position it is measured for the correctdiameter and the correct thickness by means which will presently bedescribed. The rod 36 is also slidably mounted in plate 31 and its rearportion is bent to form (Figs. 5 and '1) a U-shaped portion 38. Anotherportion 39 of rod 36 extends forwardly and is slidably mounted in plate31 and in the framework I3. The portion 39 projects through the frontportion of the framework I3 and is adapted to engage the peripheralsurface of the coin 35 to hold it in the proper position while it isbeing measured for diameter.

The framework I3 has a tubular portion 49 projecting backwardly from thecentral portion thereof in which is mounted a member 4I, said member 4Ihaving an enlarged head portion 42 with a plurality of slots 43 c'uttherein. A suitable stud bolt 44 is threadably secured in the right-handend of member 4I (Figs. 8 and 9) which normally holds the enlargedportion 42 against the star-like spring washer 45. By adjusting thisbolt 44 the opening between the head portion 42 and plate 24 can beincreased or decreased since the spring Washer 45 normally presses thehead portion 42 to the left in Figure 8.

It will be noted in Figures 8 and 11 that the framework I3 has aplurality of radially disposed slots 48 therein through which th'eforward ends of feelers 49 are adapted to project. A coil spring 5Iencircles all of the'feelers 49 and normally presses them against a ring50 which ring is embedded in the surface of member I3. The ring 50,therefore, acts as fulcrum point about which feelers 49 pivot. Thesefeelers 49 project to the right in Figure 8 or backwardly in theapparatus and penetrate slots 52 in plate 31 and the righthand end ofthese members 49 are adapted to remain in the position shown in Figure 8when no pressure is applied to the left-hand end of these members.

A collar 54 is slidably mounted on the righthand portion of member 49and this collar has aperipheral groove 55 therein into which the legs 56and 51 are adapted to fit. 'I'he legs 56 and 51 form a portion of theforked member 58, which is pivotally mounted as at 59 and 60 inprojections 6I and 62, said projections 6I and 62 extending from theframework I3. Member 58 is bent inwardly near its lower portion seas toform a V-shaped portion 58a which is adapted to contact the portion 64of vertically movable slide 65 when the apparatus is in a position ofrest as shown in Figure 8. A tension spring 66 normally holds the V-shaped portion 58a against portion 64 in this position.

It will be noted that the collar 54 has an annular groove 54a in theleft-hand portion thereof, (Fig. 8), into which the rear ends of members49 are allowed to project when none of the configurations on the coin 35affect the left-hand end of feelers 49. These ends will also projectwithin this annular groove 54a when the vertically sliding bar is pulleddownwardly when there is no coin Acisposed opposite the left-handportion of feelers When no coin 35 is present in the apparatus and thebar 65 is pulled downwardly a sufcient amount, to allow the V-shapedportion 58a to move 01T of the portion 64 the spring 66 will pull thepivoted member 58 along with the collar inwardly, or'to the left inFigure 8, to cause the right-hand end of feelers 49 to enter annulargroove 54a. The vertical sliding bar 65 is slidably mounted inprojections 6|,.62 and 10 which extends from the framework I3.

Suitable tension springs 14 and 15 are secured to a lower portion ofsliding plate 65 and these springs are secured to the upper portion oflegs 56 and 51 respectively, to normally pull the member 65 upwardly atall times. The lower end of plate 65 has a suitable hole therein whichis above the pivoted deflector plate 19, said plate being pivoted onstuds I1 and |8 and having upwardly projecting portions 8| and 82integral therewith, (Figs. 2 and 9). When the plate 65 is pulleddownwardly by any suitable means such as a lever 11 while there is nocoin disposed near the left-hand portion of feeler 49 it is evident thatthe portion 64 will move far enough downwardly to allow the V-shapedportion 58a to move inwardly so that the far end of lever 58 will moveinwardly above the portion 88 (Fig. 6) of the deflector plate 19 andprevent upward movement of the deiiector plate 19 under the tension ofspring 66. This inward movement of the lower portion of lever 58 isallowed due to the fact that none of the feelers are actuated andtherefore, the right-hand end of feelers 49 will move into the annulargroove 54a. If a genuine coin should be disposed opposite the feelers 49with the required unevenness of configuration thereon, one or more ofthe feelers would be actuated when lever 65 is pulled downwardly tocause the righthand end of these feelers to move opposite the rimportion 54h of collar 54. In other words, one or more of the feelerswould assume the position shown in Figure 12. VIn this position thecollar 54 and the member 58 would be prevented from moving to the leftin Figure 8 and therefore, the deflector of plate `19 would be allowedto be moved upwardly under the tension of spring 66, providing the otherdimensions of the coin 35 which are measured by the apparatus are withinthe limitations prescribed.

If a check with a deep groove therein were tested, it is evident thatsome of the feelers would not be moved, while others would moveoutwardly to a point where the rim 54h would not engage their rear endsand the check would be rejected.

It is evident that when deflector plate 19 is allowed to move upwardlyunder the tension of spring 86 that the upwardly projectingaportions 8|and 82 move forwardly to the position shown in Figure 12, therebyallowing the coin 35 to fall on the right-hand side of these upwardlyprojecting portions down through' passageway 85. Should the plate 19 beblocked by the lower portion of member 58, then the members 8| and 82would remain in the position shown in Figure 8, and the coin would becaused to pass on the left-hand side of projections 8| and 82 andthereby be cast out or rejected by the apparatus.

When a coin or slug which has no surface congurations thereon is placedopposite rthe lefthand portion of feelers 49 'and the coin is pressedagainst the ends of these feelers by means of the screw 21 in plate 26all of the feelers 41 will be actuated a like amount, therefore, theright-hand end of all of the feelers would be caused to slide outwardlybeyond the rim portion 54h. When this is done the collar 54 and member58 would be allowed to move inwardly and block the upward movement ofthe plate 19 to cause the coin to fall to the left of upwardlyprojecting portions 8| and 82 and thereby reject the coin. These feelersmeasure the relative differences in the surface configurations of a coinwhich, in all cases,

when the coin is genuine, will vary within a givenlimit. When the frontends of feelers 49 engage the surface of a coin some of the feelers willbe actuated enough to be in the path of rim 54h, and others will beactuated enough to cause the rear ends to miss the rim portion 54h, butin all cases when the coin is genuine, at least one of the 75 feelers 49will be actuated just enough to cause it to be disposed opposite the rimportion 54o which will prevent movement of collar 54, thereby allowingthe deiiector plate 19 to move upwardly to cause thecoin to falldownwardly behind members 8| and 82 through passageway 85 into themachine.

The above described mechanism merely tests the genuineness of the coinas to the surface congurations. Other means are provided whereby thethickness of the coin may be tested and this means comprisesa plate 26,screw 21 and its associated parts. The lower end of plate 26 is pivotedon members I1 and I8 and has rearwardly projecting portions 86 and 81which are penetrated by a transverse bolt 88. The central portion ofbolt 88 is normally engaged `by a notch in the left-hand end of bar 89,said bar 89 having its right-hand; end fitting into a ,suitable slot inpivoted baille plate 98, said plate 9|) being pivoted at its upper endas at 9| and. 92 in members 6| and 62, (Figs. 8, 10, 11 and l2).

A tension spring 93 has one end thereof connected to bar 89 and itsother end connected to plate 90 which normally pulls the right-hand endof bar 89 into engagement with the lower end'of plate 99. Anothertension spring 94 has its lower end connected to the central portion tobar 89 and its upper end connected to bell crank 95 and this springnormally holds the bolt 88 into engagement with the notch in theleft-hand portion of bar 89.

Spring 94 also serves to actuate the bell crank 95 and cause thedownwardly extending leg 95a to project into the passageway 23 and gripan additionaLcoin placed into the apparatus while the check or coin,which is already in the apparatus, is being tested. This allows severalcoins to be placed in the apparatus at the same time and prevents theadditional coins from moving into position before the feelers until thepreceding coin has been tested. The rearward end of arm 89 which isintegral with plate 26, has a pin 91 secured thereto which is adapted tobe contacted at all times by a Wire' 98, said wire 98 extendingdownwardly and being adapted to block the upward movement of plate 19when the proper thickness has not been measured by the set screw 21.When the upward movement of plate 19 is blocked by this wire the coin inthe apparatus will be rejected.

Wire 98 is pivotally mounted on stud 99, which stud 99 is secured inprojection 6I. A torsion spring |90 is adapted to surround the stud 99and has one end thereof normally engaging the wire 98 and its other endsecured in projection 6| which causes the wire to normally assume theposition shown in Figure 8 and engage the pin 91 at all times.

Let us assume that a coin which has a hole in the central portionthereof is inserted into slot 28 or 2| and is disposed between the setscrew 21 and head portion 42 for measurement. It is evident that the endof set screw 21 would penetrate the hole thereby allowing the upper endof plate 28 and the arm 86 and its associated parts to move to theright, (Fig. 8) the maximum amount. When this is done the lower end ofwire 98 will also be pushed to the right by pin 91, and when the extrememovement has taken place, the lower end of wire 98 will be restingdirectly above the portion 19a of plate 19, thereby preventing upwardmovement of plate 19 (Fig. 6). When lever 85 is pulled downwardly farenough to allowthis defective coin to fall from between members 21 and42 it will be rejected because the plate 19 tion shown in Figure 12.When a coin which is too thick is inserted into the apparatus the lowerend of wire 98 will stop directly above portions 19h of plate 19 (seeFig. 6) thereby blocking the upward movement of the deflector. Now whena. genuine coin of the proper thickness is placed in the apparatus thepin 21 will be allowed to move inwardly just enough to cause the lowerend of deflector wire 98 to move directly above the hole 19e indeflector plate 19. At this positionthe plate 19 will be allowed to moveupwardly to the position shown in Figure 12 because the lower end ofwire 98 will pass through slot 19e.

It should be stated here that when the sliding plate 65 is caused tomove downwardly by means of lever 11 or some similar apparatus, that theprojections 65a which are integral with plate 65, will engage theV-shaped projection 90a on pivoted plate 90, (Figs. 8, 10 and 12), andcause the bar 89, under the tension of spring 93 to move bolt 88 and theupper portion of plate 26 to the right in Figure 8.

It should be noted that when plate 65 is pulled downwardly that theprojections 65a contact projections 99a thereby causing plate 9|) topivot rearwardly. Since bar 89 is connected to plate 90 by spring 93,this bar will move rearwardly carrying with it bolt 88 and the upperportion of plaie 26 which, in turn, will move set screw 21 against theface of coin 35. When the tip of set screw 21 contacts the coin spring93 will be stretched and bar 89 will remain stationary while member 90continues to move backwardly;

- therefore, it is seen that no undue pressure can be applied to thecoin.

As the bar 65 is moved farther downwardly the projection 65D contactsthe upper side of bar 89 and causes the left-hand end of bar to bedisengaged from bolt 88 thereby relieving the pressure of the set screw21 on the coin in the apparatus. When this is done, the plate 26 willagain assume the position shown in Figure 8.

Figure 12 shows the parts immediately before this projection causes bar89 to become disengaged from bolt 88.

It is seen in Figures 1, 8 and 12 that framework I3 has a projection |05extending laterally and rearwardly therefrom on which is pivotallymounted a dog |06 as at |01. In normal position this dog assumes theposition shown in Figures 1 and 8, and the upper front portion thereofis adapted to rest against plate 31, whereas, the projections |Il6a andI06b are adapted to contact projections 65e and 65d on sliding plate 65.The lower leg of bell crank |06 is pivotally connected as at |08 tovertically disposed link |09, said link |09 having a slot III in thelower end thereof which is adapted to be penetrated by a pin I| which issecured on plate 1'9. In the position shown in Figure 8, the plate 19 isbeing held downwardly by the pin IIII, links |09 and the dog |06. Thisforms a toggle joint. In other words, when points |01, |08 and IIO arenot in a straight line, the plate 19 is allowed to move upwardly underthe tension of spring 66 (see Fig. 8), and assumes the position shown inFigure 12 when other parts such as member 58 or wire 98 do not blockthis movement.

It should be stated however, that the plate 19 and the members |06 and|09 remain in the position shown in Figure 1 until plate 65 is allowedto move downwardly far enough so that the projections |0613 will becontacted by the projection 85e on plate 65. (Fig. 10) When this is donethe will not be allowed to move upwardly to a posipivot point |08 iscaused to move towards the front of the apparatus thereby allowing theplate 19 to move upwardly if none of the defiectors or wires such as 98,which have been previously described, or the lower end of member 58,block upward movement of this plate. Should the movement of the plate 19be blocked, the point |08 would be allowed to move toward the front inthe same'manner but would not actuate-anything since the slot I I I isprovided to allow such movement to take place, even if plate 19 does notmove. After the pressure has been released from lever 11 and the slidingplate 65 is allowed to move upwardly again under the tension of springs14 and 15 the projection 65d will contact the projection |061) andrestore the parts |06 and |09 to normal position as shown in Figure 1.

Means for testing the surface configuration and means for testing thethickness of the coin have been described and now a third means fortesting the diameter of the coin will be described.

By referring to Figures 5, 9, and 13, it is seen that rod I5 is mountedfor oscillation in framework |3 and plate 31. The front end of this rodis bent to form an L-shaped portion I I6 which is adapted to contact thecoin in the manner as shown in Figure 13.

A torsion spring I I1 has one end thereof secured in plate 31 and itsother end contacting deilector wire II8 to move the deflector wire I|8in a counter-clockwise manner when the sliding plate is pulleddownwardly, (Fig. l0).

When plate 65 is in normal or raised position, a suitable pin I I9restricts the counter-clockwise movement of the deector wire II8 andcauses it to assume the position as shown in Figure 10. It is evidentthat when the plate 65 is pulled downwardly that th'e off-eet bentportion |I8a in wire I I8 will move against the pin I I9 as shown inFigure 10, thereby allowing clockwise rotation of the shaft or rod II5and causing the L-shaped portion IIS to press against the peripheralsurface of the coin 35. Since the other portions of the coin are restingagainst the rods 36 and 39, the counter-clockwise rotation of L-shapedportion IIB will be stopped when it contacts the peripheral surface ofthe coin 35.

Let us assume that a coin slightly smaller in diameter than a genuinecoin is inserted into the apparatus and upon the insertion of the cointhe lever 65 is pulled downwardly to test the surface configuration, thethickness and the diameter of the coin. When this lever 65 is pulleddownwardly the pin IIS will also move downwardly (Fig. 10), therebyallowing the torsion spring |I1 to cause the rod H5 to rotate in acounterclockwise manner which in turn will cause the L-shaped portion||6 to move until it contacts the periphery of the coin (Fig. 13). Sincethe coin is smaller than a genuine coin, the lower end of deflector II8will be caused to move over directly above portion 19e of plate 19 (Fig.6) thereby blocking the upward movement of the plate 19 and causing theportions 8| and 82 thereof to remain in the position shown in Figure 8,which will cause the coin to be rejected.

Should a coin of a larger diameter than that of a genuine one beinserted into the check testing apparatus the lower end of the deflectorwire would not be moved enough to cause the coin to be accepted therebycausing the lower end to rest directly above portions 19d of plate 19and blocking the upward movement of plate 19. Thereforathe coin will berejected in the same manner as in the case where the coin was too smallin diameter.

When a genuine coin of the proper diameter is inserted, the movement ofthe L-shaped portion I I6 will be just sulcient to cause the rotation ofshaft to move the lower end of deector wire I|8 directly over slot 19jin plate 19. With the lower end in this position, the defiector platemay move upwardly while the lower end of the wire is in this positionthereby causing the portions 8| and 82 to move forwardly to allow thecoin to fall down through channelway 85 into the apparatus. The testingas to thickness, surface configuration and diameter takes placesimultaneously and a defective coin in any of these respects will berejected.

The framework I3 has projecting therefrom (see Figs. 3 and 7), a portion|25 to which is pivoted as at |26 a member |21. Member |21 has alaterally projecting portion |28 which has a forked end engaging themember 38. Member |21 also has beveled projections |29 and a rectangularportion |30 (Figs. 3 and 10) When the coin has been tested and it isdesired to release ii to either be rejected or to fall into the machine,the projection 65e on plate 65 contacts the projection |30 and causesthe member |21 to rotate a slight amount in a clockwise direction, (Fig.3).

Since the forked end of member |28 is engaging the portion 38 it isevident that this rotation will cause the ends of members 36 and 39which project through the front portion of the framework I3 to be movedrearwardly in the machine until they do not furnish an obstruction tothe coin, thereby allowing the coin to fall, (Fig. 5). When the plate 65is released and allowed to be pulled upwardly into normal positionagain, the beveled surface |29 will be contacted by the projection 65eto restore the parts to their original position where another coin canbe inserted and tested.

In Figure 14 the apparatus is shown enclosed in a cover which is merelyanother form of enclosing the apparatus. This cover comprises twopieces, namely, a U-shaped portion |3I and another U-shaped portion |32fitting tightly to member I3I. Suitable slots |33 are provided for theinsertion of the coin and near the lower portion of member |32 a slot|34 is cut in order to allow the lower end of the sliding plate 65 toproject therethrough. The means for operating the apparatus in this caseis not shown, but it is evident that it may be operated in one of manycon-- ventional ways by having means for applying a downward pull tomember 65. Another slot |36 is provided to allow the coin to be expelledfrom the casing into the machine, not shown, after it has been tested.

In many States of the Union there is a law eX- isting which prohibitsthe use of any check which is of the same diameter as a genuine coin. Inthese States, should it be desired to use a check testing apparatus, ona game board or in fact, on any apparatus Where it is desired to useslugs of a larger diameter instead of the genuine coin, it would beimpossible to use this device shown in Figures 1 to 13 of the drawings,because the check. would be rejected due to the fact that it wasslightly larger in diameter than a genuine coin; therefore, I haveprovided means for causing the slug or coin to be tested in regard tothickness, surface configuration as well as to diameter, and haveprovided means so that when the diameter of a coin is of a certainover-size it will be accepted, and also whereby genuine coins will beaccepted. If the coin is of a smaller diameter than a genuine coin, itwill be rejected as any other slug, therefore, means have been providedso that this apparatus may be used in connection with game boards orslot machines where it is desired to sell over-sized slugs to thecustomers and allow the customers to use the same slugs in the machinewithout violating any of the laws of the States which probihit the useof a slug of the same diameter as a genuine coin.

Figure 15 shows the casing |3| with its associated parts which ismounted in a suitable base or supporting stand |45. Pivotally mountedinl this stand is a lever |46 having an L-shaped projection |41 whichnormally engages the lower end of slide 65 for the operation of thecheck testing apparatus. As has been previously stated in the foregoingspecification, when a coin is of the proper diameter, the L-shapedportion IIB (Fig. 9) of rod |I5, is rotated and engages the peripheralsurface of the coin or check, and when this coin or check is of theproper diameter the L- shaped portion will be rotated by rod II5, which,in turn, will cause the deflector wire ||8 in Figure 10, to rotate in acounter-clockwise manner until it is disposed directly over the notch19! in Figure 6. If all of the other portions of the coin measurecorrectly, then the deflector plate 19 will be allowed to move upwardlybecause the lower end of defiector wire ||8 will not block the upwardmovement of the same, therefore, the coin will be accepted since theupwardly projecting portions 8| and 82 will pivot outwardly and allowthe coin to fall downwardly through passageway 85.

Instead of using a deflector wire ||8, I have provided a flattened platemember |48 which is mounted in the same manner as wire ||8 and isnormally operated by spring I1, said spring normally holding the member|48 in the position shown in Figure 16. In the position shown in saidFigure 16, it is evident that deflector plate 19 couldnot move outwardlysince it would be blocked by the arcuate surface |49 which is formed onthe top of the deflector plate. Should a coin or check, which is of asmaller diameter than a genuine coin, be inserted into the machine, therod ||5 would be allowed to rotate until the lower end of the member |48would be disposed above surface 19e, thereby preventing the member 19from pivoting upwardly and therefore, causing the coin to be rejected.Normally, when a coin or check is of too large a diameter, the rod ||5would not be allowed to rotate enough to cause the lower end of member|48 to move off of the arcuate surface |49 and the upward movement ofmember 19 about the pivot points |-1 and I8 would not be allowed to takeplace. It is only when the diameter is such that the rotative movementof rod ||5 is sumcient to cause the lower end of member |48 to bedisposed directly over ment of member 19 when the slide B5 is pulleddownwardly by lever |46 to test the coin.

It is, therefore, evident that if it is desired that a coin or check,which is genuine in every respect, except as to diameter, and thatdiameter is slightly over-size, is to be accepted in this apparatus,means must be provided whereby, when thecheck is tested, the def-lector|48 must be moved in a counter-clockwise manner about rod ||5 (Fig. 16),until the lower end thereof is disposed in the position so that it willoffer no obstruction to the upward movement of the mem- I have providedaU-shaped wire member |50 which is pivotally mounted as at |5| and |52 inthe rear edge of projection 10. One end ofmember I 50 normally engagesa. hole inthe side of housing I 3| as at |53, and its other end has abent over portion |54 normally resting against the upper side of portionof slide 65. By anchoring the member 50 in this manner, it acts as aspring and when the slide 65 is pulled downwardly the bent over portion|54 will move inwardly as the slide 65 progresses downwardly.

The member |50 has a beveled surface |55 which When a check has a largerdiameter than that.

of a genuine coin or check the lower end of mem- `ses ber |48 willremain in the position shown in Figure 16 thereby preventing any upwardmovement of the member 19 when the member |50 is absent.' By providingthis U-shaped member |50 it is evident that when a. coin of an oversizeddiameter is placed in the apparatus and pressure is applied to the freeend of lever |46 -to cause the slide to move downwardly that theinclined portion |54 of the wire |50 will move slightly to the right(Fig. 15), until it is disposed directly in front of the path of travelof the member |48.

Upon further downward movement of slide 6 5 the pin |56 will engage thevbeveled surface |55 and move the upper end or the inclined'portion |54to the right (Fig. 16), thereby rotating the member |48 in acounter-clockwise manner about rod ||5 to cause the lower end of saidmember |40 to be disposed over the opening |51 (Fig. 17), instead of thearcuate surface |48. With the lower end of member |48 in this position,the

member 19 will not be prevented from moving upwardly due to this member,and if the coin` or check is genuine in every respect it will beaccepted.

Should it bev desired to use coins instead of slugs it is only necessaryto pull the end of the U-shaped member out from engagement with thehousing |3| which will allow the U-shaped member to be moved backwardlyto a position where it will not engage the slide 65.

It is, therefore, seen that means have been provided whereby thisapparatus may be adapted for use where coins or special slugs of aslightly larger diameter than that of a genuine coin may be usedprovided that the surface configurations and the thickness are of theproper dimensions.

Figures 18 and 19 show a check which is slightly over-size in diameterand which may be used and accepted in the form of the invention shown inFigures 15, 16 and 17. This check |5f has nine cavities or indentations|59 on one face and in staggered relation thereto are nine indentations|60 on the other side thereof. By providing a check of this description,it is impossible for all of the feelers to be moved .exactly the sameamount because there are ten feelers 49 and some of these feelers willhave to engage a depression while others will engage the high portionsof the slug. 'This is very essential, as it has been previously pointedout, that should all of the feelers be operated exactly the same amount,the coin would be rejected, regardless of whether the thickness wascorrect or not. In other words, the

aovasoa perfectly smooth coin or check which has even surfaces would notbe accepted, even if it was of proper thickness and the proper diameter.If desired, an odd number of feelers may be provided and an even numberof depressions may be provided in the check. 'I'he only requirement is.that both feelers and depressions be not of an odd or even number.

The ordinary coin has high and lo'w places in the surface thereof andthese variations are of such extent that when a coin is pressed againstthe feelers, the high places on the face of the coin will move some ofthe feelers past the annular portion 54b, while the low places which areengaged by one or more of the feelers will move these feelers far enoughto engage the annular portion 54h.

\\A check which is smooth on its surface will move all of the feelers sotheir rear ends will pass outwardly too far to engage portion 54h, whileif the smooth check has a relatively deep groove therein, the feeler orfeelers which coincide with this groove will not be moved at all andtherefore, the portion 54h will not be engaged by any of the feelers andthe check will be rejected for this reason.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferredembodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not forpurposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth inthe appended claims. I claim:

1. In a check testing apparatus, means for testing the surfaceconfiguration of an inserted check, means for testing the diameter ofthe check, means for applying pressure to the check to press it againstthe surface configuration testing means, means for testing the thicknessof the check, means controlled independently by each of said means fordisposing of said check, and means settable at will and movable by thepressure' applying means into the pathof the diameter measuring meansfor holding the same in a position to cause the check to pass the testimparted thereto by the diameter measuring means even though it is of apredetermined oversize.

2. In a check testing apparatus for testing a circular check having aplurality of equally spaced depressions therein, arranged in a circlewhose center is the center of the check, a plurality of feelers arrangedin a circle coinciding with the circle defined by said depressions forengaging the surface of a check when the check is pressed against thefeelers, the feelers and the depressions being unlike in number, andmeans controlled independently by the feelers for disposing of saidcheck after it has been pressed Aagainst said feelers.

3. In a check testing apparatus, a movable deflector for directing thechecks after they have been tested, a plurality of feelers, means forpressing a check against one end of the feelers, a prescribed checkhaving undulations in the surface thereof whereby the other end of allof the feelers will be moved to some extent and others of said feelerswill be moved to a greater extent, an annular member, means for movingthe annular member towards one end of said feelers, means carried bysaid annular member for controlling said deflector and adapted to beengaged by the feelers moved a lesser extent to permit movement ofthedeector.

CTI

A 4. In a check testing apparatus having a plurality of feelers againstone end of which a check is adapted to be pressed for testing, a movabledeector for disposing of said check after it hasy been engaged by thefeelers, means for moving the deector, a movable member having anannular portion and controlling the deflector, a prescribed check havingvariations in surface configuration so that the high places on the checkwill move the other ends of the feelers engaging the same a greateramount than the feelers engaging the low places, the feelers engagingthe lowplaces in the check being positioned in the path of the annularportion to allow movement of the defiector to accept the check, andwhereby a smooth check having a groove therein will move the other endsof said feelers either outside or inside the annular portion to therebyfail to allow movement of the defleetor and to reject the check.

5. In a check testing apparatus, a movable cleector for directing testedchecks into or out of the apparatus, a pivoted member having means forholding one end normally in position to block movement of the delectorand having its other end engageable by the edge .of an inserted check toposition the said one end in a non-blocking pcsition if the check is ofthe proper size, means for applying pressure to an inserted check,another movable member having one end in normal blocking position withrelation to the deiiector and movable to non-blocking position by thepressure applying means if the check is of the proper thickness, andmeans for engaging the first testing means and moving the same tonon-blocking position when a check is of a prescribed oversize.

6. In a check testing apparatus, a plurality of feelers for engaging theside of a check, a pivoted member for exerting pressure on the check, avertically movable member, a second pivoted member movable by the rstpivoted member, a third pivoted member mounted on the second pivotedmember and having a hook for engaging the first pivoted member, tensionmeans for normally pressing the hook into contact with the rst pivotedmember, a cam surface on the vertically movable member for engaging thesecond pivoted member for imparting movement to he third pivoted memberto move the rst pivoted member to apply pressure to the check, and meanson the vertically movable member for engaging the third pivoted memberto move it out of engagement with the first pivoted member afterpressure has been applied to the check, and

means controlled by the feelers when moved by pressure on the check fordisposing of said check.

7. In a check testing apparatus, means for testing the check as to itssurface configurations. means for testing the diameter of the check.means for testing the thickness of the check, a movable delector fordisposing of the check as it leaves the apparatus, tension meansnormally moving the deflector to one position, a toggle-joint mechanismfor resisting the movement, means for moving the toggle-joint mechanismto non-resisting position after all of the testing operations have beencompleted, the several testing means normally blocking movement of thedeector but permitting movement thereof after the toggle-joint mechanismhas been moved if the check has proper size, thickness and surfaceooniigurations.

8. In a check testing apparatus, a plurality of feelers for engaging theface of an inserted check,

means for forcing said check against said feelers,

a deflector, means tending to move the deflector configurations of thecheck so that a check having variations on its surface configurationwill move the remote end of some of the feelers into the path of theannular member, and means controlled by the unmoved annular member forallowing the defiector to move to accept the check as genuine.

9. In a check testing apparatus, the combination of a plurality ofequally spaced independently movable feelers arranged in a circleagainst which is adapted to be pressed a check having a plurality ofequally spaced depressions therein also arranged in a circle of the samediameter as the circle .in which the feelers are arranged, the distancebetween the depressions being different from the distance between thefeelers so that when the check is pressed against the feelers all of thedepressions will not coincide with all of the feelers and the feelerswill be moved in different degrees, and means controlled by the feelersfor accepting said check if it has equally spaced depressions thereinand to reject the check if it does not have said equally spaceddepressions therein.

10. Check testing apparatus comprising means for testing a check as todiameter, means for testing the surface configurations of the check,means for pressing said check against the surface testing means, meansfor disposing of said check comprising a movable defiector, means formoving the deflector, a swinging member for engaging the periphery ofthe check for normally blocking movement of the defiector to reject thecheck when it is oversized, other means movable into the path of theswinging member by the means for pressing the check against the surfacetesting means, when the check is of a predetermined oversize to arrestthe movement of the swinging member so it will not block movement of thedeector to thereby accept the check having a predetermined oversize.

11. Check testing apparatus for accepting checks of a given sizecomprising movable diameter measuring directing means for measuring thecheck as to diameter, means controlled by the diameter measuring meansfor disposing of said check as it is passed through the apparatus, meansfor moving the directing means, means for also accepting a check ofpredetermined oversize comprising a movable member having an inherentresiliency for moving it in front of the movable diameter measuringmeans for arresting the movement of the diameter measuring means in aposition to allow movement of the directing means to a position toaccept the check.

12. Check testing apparatus for accepting checks of a given size andalso for accepting checks of a predetermined oversize, comprising amanually movable slide, movable means for engaging the periphery of thecheck, a delector for disposing of said check and controlled by saidmovable means, means for moving the defiector, other means movable bythe slide into the path of the first movable means if the cheek is of apredetermined oversize to hold the first movable means away from thesecond movable means until said second movable means has moved into thepath of the irst movable means to arrest travel of the first movablemeans in a position to allow movement of the deflector and means fordisconnecting said other movable means from said slide whereby anoversized check will be rejected.

13. In a check testing apparatus for testing a circular check having aplurality of equally spaced depressions therein arranged in a circlewhose center is the center of the check, a plurality of equally spacedfeelers arranged in a circle coinciding with the circle defined by saiddepressions for engaging the surface of a check when the check ispressed against the feelers, the feelers and depressions being unlike innumber, and means controlled independently by the feelers for acceptingsaid check after it'has been pressed against said feelers and forrejecting a check if it does not have said equally spaced depressionstherein.

14. In combination, a check having a plurality of evenly spaceddepressions arranged concentrically of the check, apparatus for testingchecks comprising a plurality of independently movable feelers alsoarranged in a circle which is concentric with the circle dened by saiddepressions, the number of feelers being different from the number ofdepressions in said check, means for engaging the check and applyinglateral pressure thereto to press the check against said feelers, amovable 'deflector for disposing of said checks, and means controlledindependently by each of the feelers when pressure is applied to saidcheck for controlling the position occupied by the deflector to therebyaccept said check, and to reject a check which may be placed in theapparatus if it does not have said equally spaced'depressions therein.

15. In a check testing apparatus, a plurality of independently movablefeelers for engaging the side of an inserted check, means for applyingpressure to one side of the check to press it against said feelers, adeflector for disposing of said check and controlled independently byeach of said feelers for disposing of said check, said feelers beingarranged in a circle so that when a check having a number of equallyspaced depressions therein also arranged in a circle coinciding with thecircle dened by the feelers, but differing in number from the number o1'feelers, is deposited in said apparatus and pressure is applied theretothe check will be accepted but if the number of depressions and feelersis the same the check will be rejected.v

AARON A. KNEE.

